Author Topic: Overclocking Inspiron 560  (Read 2619 times)

Offline Switch-Renn

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Overclocking Inspiron 560
« on: April 27, 2011, 10:33:35 PM »
Hey, is it possible to overclock a pre-built Dell Inspiron 560? 0: I tried looking around in the BIOS but I wasn't able to find anything that would suggest it, but having said that I don't have a very broad knowledge with overclocking. :v

According to CPU-Z, my motherboard is a Dell 018D1Y.

Also while I'm at it, what would be the recommended specs for running a TF2, L4D, L4D2 and Killing Floor server for a total of 32 people? I'm considering building my own PC to use as a dedicated server, but I'd like to have a better idea of what specs I'd be looking for before I make any decisions.


Offline tomoya-kun

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Re: Overclocking Inspiron 560
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2011, 02:21:39 AM »
Hey, is it possible to overclock a pre-built Dell Inspiron 560? 0: I tried looking around in the BIOS but I wasn't able to find anything that would suggest it, but having said that I don't have a very broad knowledge with overclocking. :v

According to CPU-Z, my motherboard is a Dell 018D1Y.

Also while I'm at it, what would be the recommended specs for running a TF2, L4D, L4D2 and Killing Floor server for a total of 32 people? I'm considering building my own PC to use as a dedicated server, but I'd like to have a better idea of what specs I'd be looking for before I make any decisions.

How much do you have to spend?  1000+ is necessary for some nice stuff.


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Offline datora

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Re: Overclocking Inspiron 560
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2011, 02:40:13 AM »
.
I think you want to start here:

 - http://www.overclock.net/

Dell has been notorious for a very long time about making their systems such that they "can't" be overclocked.  Yes, there are (sometimes) ways to do it.  No, I don't know how.  They keep their BIOS & hardware pretty locked down, but I have run across reference that it can be done.  Pure rumor and anecdote.

Also, overclocking laptops is usually pretty tricky, at best.  Serious heat issues.  Most laptops are already clocked near the edge of their hardware specs vs. damage to the rest of the laptop.  Again, can be done ... but not for the faint-hearted.


As far as building a PC/server from parts, I suggest you start a separate topic with lucid subject line and a couple of sentences describing what you want to accomplish, your budget, and what outlets are available to you (can you buy from newegg.com in the U.S.? or Canada? or other regional restrictions? etc.).  Since it's a gaming server, I doubt I can help, but there's a few others around here probably gots a few pointers.
« Last Edit: April 28, 2011, 02:46:23 AM by datora »
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Offline kureshii

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Re: Overclocking Inspiron 560
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2011, 03:00:37 AM »
1) No, you can't overclock it in BIOS. Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and BIOS so overclocking options have been hidden from the user.

2) Even if somehow you manage to find overclock settings in there, I strongly advise not touching them. There are ways to do it without going through the BIOS too, but I leave that as a googling exercise for the reader. If I am not mistaken, the Inspiron 560 is pretty much a bottom-of-the-line budget option, which means it comes with a minimal CPU cooler, PSU and other parts; nothing like the kind of case-build engineering that goes into an XPS.

That's not to say it can't be done, but any sane person will tell you that overclocking a bottom-budget prebuilt is a bad idea unless you're just doing it for fun and have another main machine. A successful overclock also involves picking hardware that won't curl up in a corner and cry when you attempt a good overclock, and somehow I doubt you're going to get hardware like that on a shoestring budget.
« Last Edit: April 28, 2011, 03:16:39 AM by kureshii »

Offline fohfoh

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Re: Overclocking Inspiron 560
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2011, 04:42:13 AM »
The only "sane" overclocking of a dell laptop I have ever seen was back in the day with the inspiron 6000. However, you had to dismantle the laptop and do physical modifications to get the increased performance.

Overclocking a Dell? Don't count on it. Overclocking a computer with a Phoenix Bios? (Sony and other brands use this from time to time) Don't count on it.
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Offline Switch-Renn

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Re: Overclocking Inspiron 560
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2011, 08:51:57 AM »
I thought as much. ;_; But thanks for the responses, everyone! They're greatly appreciated. <3

As far as building a PC/server from parts, I suggest you start a separate topic with lucid subject line and a couple of sentences describing what you want to accomplish, your budget, and what outlets are available to you (can you buy from newegg.com in the U.S.? or Canada? or other regional restrictions? etc.).  Since it's a gaming server, I doubt I can help, but there's a few others around here probably gots a few pointers.

I'll get on this now. :D